Minerva Punjab to get re-match against Real Kashmir, rules AIFF

Defending champions Minerva Punjab FC, who pulled out of their I-League clash against Real Kashmir in Srinagar citing security concerns, will get a re-match against the debutants, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has decided.

The game was originally scheduled for February 18 but did not take place after Minerva refused to travel to Srinagar, insisting that their foreign players had been advised against it by their respective embassies in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack.

It is learnt, the match could be held in Delhi on March 12.

Minerva said the AIFF failed to give written security assurances that were sought by the club after the terror attack which killed more than 40 CRPF personnel.

Real Kashmir, on their part, asserted that the situation in Srinagar was "safe and was under control" on the match day and and security was in place, including a team bus with bullet-proof escort vehicles waiting at the airport.

However, while referring the matter to the AIFF Emergency Committee, the I-League Committee said there was "nothing in writing which may demonstrate that they (Real Kashmir and AIFF) have given any undertaking or assurance for the safety of the players and the match officials, as requested by the Minerva."
"...the match which was originally scheduled to be played at Srinagar between Real Kashmir FC and East Bengal on 28 February, 2019 was also shifted to New Delhi."
Asked if there was still a chance of the match being held in Srinagar, Dhar said, "Let us wait for what Real Kashmir wants, in their reply."
"Considering the present fact and circumstances and the peculiar situation prevailing in Kashmir where presently also, a semi-war like situation is prevailing. It would be prudent to refer the present matter to the AIFF Executive Committee or the AIFF Emergency Committee."
"Prior to 18th February 2019, the Government and Security Wing of the J&K Police had already met the match commissioner and given the go-ahead for conducting the match at TRC Astroturf, Srinagar."